The last pose of a yoga practice is often Savasana, corpse pose. It is the final relaxation of the session — a moment to pause, reflect, and meditate on the intention you set for your practice or to seek insight on your life. I experienced the ultimate Savasana session while in an isolation chamber — while floating effortlessly.
I have always been curious about isolation chambers. I’ve read that they are a fabulous way to completely unplug from the world. It is a method of sensory depravation — to perhaps balance out our noisy outside and inside world. I saw a discount coupon for a local outlet and decided it was time to take the plunge and try it.
ISO-SPA is an Ottawa floatation therapy centre that specializes in this experience equipped with four floatation tanks.
After a shower, I entered the float tanks and laid in 1,000 liters of water, heated to body temperature (35 C), and mixed with over 1,200 pounds of Epsom salts. This mix creates an amazingly buoyant, low gravity environment where I floated on the surface of the water effortlessly. Only my face was above water. I opted for ear plugs because I don’t like water in my ears.
I closed the lid of the flotation tank, escaping the outside world. Devoid of light, sound and touch my mind is free to focus, visualize, learn, heal and most importantly unwind. All I was aware of was my breath and my mind. A perfect mindful meditation environment.
The Epsom salts soothed my aching muscles. The low gravity environment was the first time I experience escaping the constant push of gravity and its effects. I felt no pressure anywhere. At first, I was a little apprehensive to relax. But I quickly trusted and was able to completely let go in the ultimate Savasana pose.
Ever being a curious scientist, I experimented with movement. Since there is no gravitational anchor, movement is actually difficult. To twist my lower torso, I needed keep my legs tightly together, spread my arms and be very centered and balanced in my turn. Raising one knee to chest was very challenging as I had to ensure perfect balance — or I flopped over. My curiosity satisfied, I returned to meditation for the remaining time.
A typical floatation session is one hour. You can choose to have a small blue light on if you don’t want complete darkness. There is a ambient nature sound track if you want sound. A small pool noodle is available to tuck under your neck if you feel unsure about pure floating.
If you feel yourself in sensory overload or want relieve from gravitational pressure, this is a fabulous experience. It was really fascinating to discover what an ultimate savasana — relaxation pose — can be like. A total withdrawal into yourself.
Originally published at dralanviau.com on January 17, 2017.
Originally published at medium.com